Talax looked around fearfully, the mana light on his hand dimming as his concentration wavered. He needed help, he needed to cast his new spell of death magic and summon the Spectral Guardian, but in his current condition it was impossible.

The spell required both of his hands to perform the incantation, and his right hand lay all but useless, hanging limply at his side. Grimacing in pain, he unslung his bag and placed it on his lap. Fervently, he rifled through its contents, searching for a solution.

He recalled having some elfroot from Franny stashed somewhere in his bag. He discovered a few withered leaves and quickly placed them into his mouth, chewing with fervor. Immediately, he felt the healing properties of the small plant and started casting his spell Rejuvenating Waters, attempting to alleviate some of his fatigue and pain. He waited for a while and he repeated the process again and again.

As he waited, he studied his core and pathways. For the first time, thanks to Mana Manipulation, he could clearly see the effects of both his spell and the healing herb. He could see mana suffusing his fatigued muscles and damaged nerves with newfound clarity. Reluctantly, he tried to influence the power, guiding it toward his injured limbs.

With each cycle of casting and the use of the bitter herb, his hand gradually but steadily regained some functionality, although it remained difficult and painful to use. His leg, which hadn’t been his focus since he needed his hand to cast, fared much worse. Though the numbness had receded, putting pressure on his leg was nearly impossible, causing excruciating pain.

Once he was confident that he was ready to cast his spell, he stood up, biting his lip to suppress the screams of pain, and leaned against the wall for support. He retrieved the small monkey skull, which amplified his death magic, and began the incantation.

Words imbued with the hollowness and chill of death reverberated within the tunnel's walls. Talax's hands danced in a mesmerizing display of magic, twisting and contorting in an unnatural manner. His mana flowed out of his core like a torrent, the ambient mana transforming by the inky touch of death.

The spell culminated with a harsh yell, leaving Talax's body cold and writhing with discomfort. However, just as abruptly as it had begun, the sensation stopped, and a form emerged from his body.

The luminous figure of the Spectral Guardian bathed the tunnel in a faint, unsettling luminescence, bringing a sense of relief to Talax. He was no longer alone. Even if his companion was a dead spirit whose breath rattled like an ominous wind.

"Hey there, buddy. You look better than last time," Talax remarked. It was true; the ghost's outline was more distinct, and its shimmering texture seemed more substantial than before. Talax nodded approvingly at the small skull nestled in the crook of his hand. The tiny artifact had undeniably enhanced his death spell. He returned it to his bag and proceeded to explore the new corridor.

The Spectral Guardian walked alongside him, matching his pace with the silent clatter of its armor and heavy breaths. Talax attempted conversation, "So, where are you from? I mean, before you know..." The ghost remained unresponsive, seemingly unaware of his words. It continued to walk by his side, offering much-needed illumination. After the spell, his mana reserves had dangerously depleted, and he had decided to conserve what little remained.

They trudged onward for what felt like hours. Every eight minutes, the Spectral Guardian would fade away, and Talax had to summon it once more, a draining process that left him feeling weakened. The passage eventually widened, leading them to a semi-circular room.

In the center of the room stood a massive stone statue of a warrior, holding a sword with an air of eternal vigilance. A small key dangled from its neck, fastened to a small chain. Behind the statue, a gleaming door made of polished metal beckoned mysteriously. Talax couldn't help but sigh, a sense of déjà vu washing over him. "Here we go again."

Instinctively, he reached for his sword, only to discover it missing from his belt. “Damn it!” he exclaimed, panic surging through him as he frantically scanned the area, fearing he might have inadvertently awakened the stone guardian. To his relief, the statue remained motionless. His hand patted his belt, and his fingers met only the hilt of his new necrotic dagger and a small butter knife.

Talax's heart sank, realizing his predicament. "That's just my luck. Buddy, you'll have to do the heavy lifting," he muttered to the Spectral Guardian, which continued its silent vigil by his side. Talax retrieved his trusty bow, which had thankfully survived the fall, and nocked one of the few remaining arrows in his battered quiver, which now held only four arrows.

His arm trembled with pain as he raised the bow, the agony in his body a constant reminder of his dire situation. Despite the pain, he took careful aim, gritting his teeth until his Explosive Arrow was fully charged.

With a silent nod to his Spectral Guardian, Talax released the charged Explosive Arrow, his gaze fixed firmly on the massive stone statue. The arrow sailed through the air and struck the statue's chest, unleashing waves of mana upon impact.

The statue, though not fully awakened, groaned and shifted slightly, shards of stone breaking away from its form. Realizing that it was time for a direct assault, Talax quickly commanded the ghost to attack.

The Spectral Guardian leaped into action, charging forward to engage the partially awakened stone guardian. Wielding a spectral sword, it clashed with the statue, their blows resonating throughout the room. The guardian's otherworldly presence allowed it to strike the stone with ethereal might, carving deeper into the statue's form with each slash.

As the battle raged on, Talax realized he needed to tilt the odds further in his favor. He began to cast the Tar of Restrain spell, summoning a thick, sticky substance that spread across the floor around the golem warrior. The tar hindered the golem's movements, making it more challenging for the statue to retaliate.

With the stone warrior hampered by the tar, the Spectral Guardian pressed its advantage. It struck with relentless precision, its spectral blade cutting through the stone statue with each blow. The golem on the other hand had difficulty dealing a decisive blow on the ghost due to its ephemeral nature. The stone sword appeared to pass through the ghostly form without finding any resistance.

The Spectral Guardian appeared unharmed, but Talax noticed that its light was dimming with each passing blow. The ghost was growing weaker. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he knew he had to end the fight quickly before his companion faded into the ether, leaving him to fend for himself. Talax began to cast a series of spells, hoping they would help him defeat the golem before it was too late.

He started with his Fog of Mystica spell, sensing his already drained mana pool further diminish. However, as the magical wisps of his spell encircled his opponent, he moved on to his next spell, Rejuvenating Waters, granting his body a brief respite from the constant pain and providing a small window of opportunity.

Suppressing a cry of pain by biting his lip, Talax limped toward the confused stone warrior. The Spectral Guardian continued with its assault, but every blow was weaker than the last, its form nearly faded.

Tears welled in his eyes as his ruined leg throbbed with stabbing pain each time it touched the ground. Talax entered the fog and approached the flailing golem. A blind flail struck him in the stomach, making him gasp in pain, but he didn't stop. He ducked to evade another flailing limb and lunged at the golem's midsection.

Before the massive stone creature could fully grasp what was happening, Talax unleashed his newfound death spell, Minor Hex. It required no extravagant hand movements; a mere touch from his corrupted hand was enough. With a simple, ominous murmur, carrying the finality of death, a dark and sinister power surged through his core and into the stone creature.

Talax felt the magic flow through him like a corrupted river, carrying the essence of death. In an instant, the stone warrior realized it was under attack, even in its confused state. With a powerful backhand, it sent Talax hurtling across the room. Pain radiated from his battered body as he slammed into the wall.

Talax landed in a painful heap, his mind muddled by agony. The magical fog and his spectral protector held the stone warrior's attention while he struggled to regain his bearings. Talax gazed up, hoping to witness the destruction of his foe, but his spell seemed to have left no mark on the stony construct.

Furrowing his brows in confusion, he wondered why the spell hadn't worked, maybe it was because the creature was made of stone and not flesh, maybe.... However, in that very moment, an explosion of black mana rocked the chamber, and Talax watched in astonishment as massive chunks of the golem flew in every direction, effectively cleaving the warrior in two.

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The explosion of death mana had nearly obliterated the stone warrior, but it had also destroyed his spectral guardian, the ghostly apparition fading into nothingness. Talax witnessed the stone warrior's struggle to remain upright, pebbles cascading down its ruined body, with ever-widening cracks marring its surface.

“Cool, cool, cool. I just found my new favorite spell!” He blinked for a few moments, mesmerized by the spell’s impressive power but ultimately came to his senses.

Talax knew it was time to end the battle. With one last effort, he drew one of his final arrows and activated the Explosive Arrow, the pain in his body intensifying as he pulled the bowstring. The arrow shot forward, finding its mark in the heart of the stone guardian. An explosion of energy shattered the statue into countless fragments, and the room resounded with the deafening sound of shattering stone.

As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, Talax breathed a sigh of relief. He was battered and drained, but he had made it once more, thanks to the combined strength of his spectral companion and his long list of spells. The shiny door, previously guarded by the stone sentinel, now beckoned, promising him an escape.

Talax lingered amid the remains of the stone golem for some time, catching his breath. His body felt on the verge of exhaustion. He knew that he couldn’t keep going like that. He had to find a solution. If he had to fight another fight like that, he didn’t know if he would survive the ordeal.

With a tired sigh, he rose and limped toward the small silver key. He picked it up from the ground and blew away the dust. It appeared to be a simple key, but it bore the same polished finish as the door. Talax hobbled over to the door, which, apart from its shiny surface, lacked any decorative embellishments, as if it existed solely for utilitarian purposes, rather than to inspire awe and reverence like other parts of the dungeon.

Talax gingerly inserted the key into the small hole and turned it with a swift, decisive motion. He heard the unmistakable sound of bolts shifting and rattling behind the door, prompting him to instinctively take a step back.

With a barely noticeable creak, the door began to swing open, unveiling the secrets it had concealed. Talax's eyes widened with each centimeter it revealed, and for a moment, he found himself holding his breath. It was as if he had stumbled upon an otherworldly treasure trove.

Talax’s eyes grew bigger and bigger the more he saw and for a moment he stopped breathing. He thought he had died and gone to heaven. Stars seemed to twinkle in his eyes, or perhaps it was merely the glittering reflection of the countless coins that formed small mountains around the room!

He had found a treasury! He couldn’t believe his luck! “Tichos whoever you are and whatever you are doing, I just wanted to tell you a big, fat thank you!” Talax shook his head in wonder and muttered. “Ill-fated my ass!”

Forgeting pain, exhaustion and even his friends, he entered the treasury spinning around trying to drink in all the wealth and beauty. His eyes couldn’t concentrate on a single point, they just wondered aimlessly, enjoying the sight of boundless wealth and beauty.

The glint of countless coins and the sparkle of precious gems drew him deeper into the mesmerizing maze of riches. Time seemed to lose all meaning as he immersed himself in the sheer opulence of the treasure. Each moment was a revelation of splendor and opulence. With every step, he uncovered new treasures, each more dazzling than the last.

He marveled at the intricacy of the tapestries, their detailed designs bringing to life forgotten tales of valor and romance. The exquisite jewelry, adorned with rare and vibrant gemstones, cast colorful rainbows of light across the chamber, mesmerizing him with their brilliance. He examined the precious artifacts, their historical significance and craftsmanship a testament to the ages that had passed.

The mountains of coins glinted with a warm, inviting glow, and the silver ingots gleamed like liquid moonlight. The room resonated with a kind of timeless elegance, each piece of wealth an embodiment of the artistry and dedication of its creators.

At the far end of the chamber, he noticed two doors, one that was beautiful and ornate with the symbol of the four elements of magic at its center, and the other a simple wooden door, aged by time and neglect. He was about to inspect the two doors when something caught his eye. On side of the chamber held a long line of cubbies, that for some inexplicable reason beckoned him.

Talax walked amongst mountains of coins, sets of armors and other precious artifacts with each breath an exercise of self-control. He just wanted to grab as many things as his hands could hold and start running!

When he finally reached the line of cubbies, he opened the lid of the first one with trembling hands. Inside, he discovered a spell tome resting on a velvet cushion. Its cover resembled cracked ice, adorned with an unfamiliar symbol at its center. With eager hands, he retrieved the spell book, feeling the cold seep into his fingertips.

His void magic seemed to stir, as if eager to explore the new magic, rattling at its cage. Talax experienced an ice-cold sensation coursing through his body as he absorbed the knowledge of this unfamiliar magic. Suddenly, he was the owner of a new, cool spell!

Ice Magic, level 1

1% resistance to ice magic

Frost Breath: allows the caster to exhale a freezing breath that can encase enemies in ice, slowing their movements and dealing cold damage.

Summon time: 3 seconds, spell duration n/a, cooldown: 45 seconds

A new planet had emerged inside his core, its surface a pristine white-blue hue, shrouded in an ethereal mist. Orbiting this ice magic planet was a small orb, the Frost Breath spell. Talax couldn't contain his pleasure and, unable to restrain himself, cast the new spell.

His fingers turned almost white from the frost the spell exuded, and without conscious thought, as if his body had taken on a life of its own, he opened his mouth, releasing a cloud of chilling frost. The spell found its target on a nearby shelf filled with gold jewelry, instantly blanketing them in ice.

Talax whooped in excitement, overwhelmed by a sensation of delight and power. He watched as the ice slowly melted, leaving behind liquid frost droplets, and the intense feeling of accomplishment only grew stronger. Observing the effects of his power was nothing short of intoxicating.

With greed in his heart, he moved on to the next cubby. He opened the door and discovered a similar spell tome, but this one was glossy black. As he picked it up, the pages began to flip as if caught in an invisible wind, and suddenly, he knew!

Lightning Magic, level 1

1% resistance to lightning magic

Lightning Strike: lets the caster channel mana to summon a bolt of lightning from the sky, striking a target with a powerful electric attack. The mana required is determined by the caster.

Summon time: n/a, spell duration: n/a, cooldown: 1 minute

Another planet graced his small galaxy inside his core that kept expanding with each new addition. This one was blue-black, constantly crackling with lightning and sparks on its surface. Talax cast the new spell. His raised hand crackled with energy, forming a tight fist. The spell seemed insatiable, demanding more mana like a hungry beast, and Talax supplied what he could.

After a few seconds, he stopped, noticing that his mana pool was nearly depleted and experiencing the beginnings of a headache, which sent sharp pains radiating through his temples. When he cut off the mana supply, he heard a sharp crack like a whip, and a brilliant flash of light struck a few meters away. Talax jumped in surprise, finding a black scorch mark where he had aimed. The room filled with the scent of burnt ozone, reminiscent of the aftermath of a thunderstorm.

Satisfied, he moved on to the next cubby. Inside, he discovered a similar book, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't establish a connection with it. Baffled, he furrowed his brows, unable to fathom why he had failed to learn the spell. He placed it back in its previous spot and proceeded to the next cubby.

In the following cubby, he didn't find a spell book, but a shining crystal that resembled the shape of a heart. Talax poked it with his finger, causing the light to intensify. With a grimace, he decided to examine it later, once he finished with the spell tomes. In the subsequent cubby, he did not find a spell tome either, but a small box containing a peculiar object resembling a glass seed.

He left the strange object inside the cubby and impatiently searched for the next. Finally, he found another spell tome. This one had a stone casing around its cover, and when Talax picked it up, it felt unusually heavy. The magic book responded, and knowledge flowed into his mind and core. He knew!

Earth magic, level 3

3% resistance to earth magic

Beast Bonding: creates a magical connection between the caster and an animal, allowing for a telepathic link and shared senses.

Summon time: 10 seconds, spell duration 10 seconds, cooldown: 24 hours

Talax's eyes widened, and he clapped his hands in delight, momentarily forgetting about his wounded hand. "Okay, okay, that is beyond awesome!" he muttered to himself, sounding like a madman. He was already planning to test his newfound abilities on the first creature he encountered, whether it be a spider, a mole, or a rat. He laughed, descending even further into madness, and proceeded to the next spell tome.

This one had an almost intangible quality, but once he picked it up and brought it into the torchlight of the treasury, it became more solid. The pages began to flip, and Talax absorbed knowledge about a new element of magic.

Shadow magic, level 1

1% resistance to shadow magic

Shadow Step: allows the caster to briefly meld with the shadows and reappear in a different location, ideal for quick escapes or ambushes.

Summon time: 1 second, spell duration: n/a, cooldown: 20 seconds

Shadow magic, Vesperine's magic! He had witnessed some of her spells and knew the awesomeness that this element of magic possessed. He yearned to try out his new spell, but his mana pool was nearly depleted, so he lamented and moved on to the next spell.

He discovered two more books, one on shadow magic and the other on death magic. However, he couldn't seem to learn from either of them. He had more cubbies to inspect, and he hoped they contained more spells. Unfortunately, he was mistaken. Upon opening the next cubby, he found an old necklace. It was a simple thing, a circle made from stone, with chips and cracks marring its surface.

As Talax leaned in for a closer look, he felt an overwhelming surge of mana. It was so intense that his hair stood on end from the static. Reluctantly, he reached out and touched the aged necklace, experiencing a peculiar sensation that felt simultaneously familiar and foreign.

He grabbed the necklace and after some indecision he placed it around his neck. Whatever the object’s effects; he was sure it would be spectacular given how powerful it felt. He moved to the next cubby and unlatched its door. However, before he could glimpse its contents, he heard an unsettling voice calling out to him.

“Hello Talax.”